Hear how early travel across continents shaped Taylor’s worldview and helped her navigate her multi-cultural identity. Taylor Wallace reflects on how growing up between cultures and traveling internationally from a young age shaped her identity and global perspective. She shares formative experiences in South Africa, Singapore, and Brazil, explores her multicultural heritage and connection to place, and discusses how studying history and witnessing different narratives around the world reshaped her understanding of power, belonging, and U.S. foreign policy. This episode traces the experiences that helped Taylor find her place in the world—and set the foundation for the global life she would go on to build.
375: Growing Up Global: Taylor Wallace on Brazil, South Africa, Singapore & Finding Her Place in the World
Episode Summary
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About the Guest
Taylor Wallace
Taylor Wallace is a longtime digital nomad, remote entrepreneur, non-profit leader and skydiver who has traveled to over 80 countries. Over the last decade, Taylor has lived and worked across North America, Latin America, and Southeast Asia while leading strategic partnerships in venture capital, emerging tech, and social innovation. She advocates for “The Fit Founder” lifestyle, blending entrepreneurship with intentional living, and her work has been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine.
What You'll Learn
- How early travel and cross-cultural experiences can shape your identity and expand the way you see the world.
- How questioning the histories and narratives we’re taught can deepen your understanding of global politics, power, and place.
- How embracing life between cultures can help you find belonging and design a more globally connected life on your own terms.
Links From the Episode
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CONTACT AND FOLLOW TAYLOR
LOCATIONS WHERE THE INTERVIEW TOOK PLACE
- Matt: Asheville, North Carolina
- Taylor: Chicago, Illinois
WINES CONSUMED DURING THIS INTERVIEW
CAR RACE MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
COMPANIES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
FESTIVALS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
HOTEL AND POOL IN SINGAPORE MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
PLACES IN BRAZIL MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
PLACES IN MALAYSIA MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
PLACES IN PORTUGAL MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
OTHER PEOPLE MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
OTHER PLACES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
- Baltimore
- Boston
- Brazil
- Buenos Aires
- Malaysia
- New York
- Boquete (Panama)
- Portugal
- Robben Island
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Soweto (South Western Townships)
- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Time Stamped Show Notes
**Click the time stamp to jump directly to that point in the episode.
[1:37] Introducing Taylor Wallace
[3:19] Wine Adventure in Porto
[7:20] Taylor’s Parents Experience Moving from the U.S. to Panama
[9:29] Growing up in Maryland with Multi-Cultural Family Heritage
[11:19] How Taylor Navigated Her Multi-Cultural Identity
[14:31] Taylor’s First Trip to South Africa as a Kid
[17:09] Reflections on Spending a Month in South Africa in 5th Grade
[19:56] Growing up in the Suburbs of Baltimore
[21:48] Spending Summers in Singapore as a Kid
[24:09] Matt’s Experience at the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Singapore
[28:34] Connecting with her Brazilian Heritage and Living in Brazil
[31:39] Matt’s Experience in Brazil
[33:27] Taylor’s Study Abroad Experience Living in Brazil
[41:40] Lessons on U.S. Foreign Policy from Traveling Through Asia
[44:35] Follow and Connect with Taylor
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